In Anambra State, a tragic incident involving a final-year university student has sparked outrage and demands for justice. On August 17, 2024, Noel Okechukwu, a 27-year-old student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, was fatally shot by local vigilante operatives at Senator Stella Oduah’s Estate in the Akili-Ozizor Community, Ogbaru Local Government Area. The incident has drawn widespread attention and condemnation from the public and the deceased’s family, who claim Noel was wrongfully killed.
Family Claims Extrajudicial Killing
The family of Noel Okechukwu alleges that their son was the victim of an extrajudicial killing by the estate’s private security guards. According to Rex Okechukwu, Noel’s father, his son was shot while attempting to buy fresh fish from a pond located within the estate. “My son was simply going about his day,” said Rex. “He had no reason to be killed in such a brutal manner.”
Eyewitnesses recounted that the altercation began when the security guards denied Noel entry into the estate. The dispute escalated, and one of the guards allegedly fired a pump-action rifle, fatally wounding Noel. The family’s account, detailed in a petition to the Divisional Police Officer at Ogbaru Police Division, stated, “After he was shot, the guards gave him water to drink, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.”
The Okechukwu family is calling for justice, insisting that the guards had no legal right to take their son’s life. They have demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Noel’s death, emphasizing the need for accountability in what they describe as a senseless and unlawful act.
Conflicting Reports from Security Officials
In contrast to the family’s claims, security officials offer a different narrative. The Divisional Police Officer at Atani, Mr. I. Andrew, confirmed receiving a petition regarding the incident but suggested that Noel was involved in criminal activities. “The reports we have indicate that the deceased was part of a group involved in looting and vandalizing property within the estate,” said Andrew.
The DPO further explained that the area has been plagued by crime, including incidents involving armed groups. According to his statement, Noel and his alleged accomplices were reportedly armed and opened fire on the guards, prompting the security team to retaliate. “This is an area known for such activities,” Andrew stated. “When confronted, the suspects, including the deceased, were armed and initiated a firefight, which led to his death.”
Authorities have indicated that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation. However, this decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some community members expressing distrust in the local police’s ability to conduct an impartial inquiry.
Call for Justice and Transparent Investigation
The shooting has ignited protests in the community, with many calling for a transparent investigation and justice for Noel Okechukwu. Human rights activists and community leaders have also weighed in, urging the authorities to address the growing concern over the use of excessive force by local security operatives.
“We cannot continue to tolerate such actions by those meant to protect us,” said a local activist during a recent protest. “We demand accountability and justice for Noel. This young man had a bright future, and it was cut short needlessly.”
As the investigation progresses, the public awaits more details on the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining whether the actions of the security guards were justified or an egregious overreach of power.
The family of Noel Okechukwu remains steadfast in their quest for justice, hoping that the truth will eventually come to light and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: Punch
